5.1. Introduction
You have now reached the end of the S.C.R.E.A.M! manual and here we want to introduce you to the S.C.R.E.A.M!-methodology that the project partners have worked to develop within the Erasmus+ KA2 :project Dropping the Baggage. We want to remind you that in vocational education and training, students often carry negative baggage that hampers their progress and inhibits their ability to fully engage in their educational journey. This baggage includes past negative experiences, self-doubt, unresolved personal issues, and a lack of confidence. It often leads to fear of failure, disengagement, and limited motivation and hinders students’ potential for success. However, with the support of educators, students can overcome these challenges and embark on a transformative educational experience that brings out their maximum potential.
Imagine that each of us carries an imaginary bag on our backs, accumulating experiences that shape who we are. Some bags are heavier with negative experiences, while others are lighter with positivity. The idea behind S.C.R.E.A.M! methodology is to help students let go of their negative baggage and reclaim their sense of self-worth and potential! The S.C.R.E.A.M! methodology wants to challenge existing exclusive attitudes and help educators create an inclusive and empowering environment where students flourish despite their past struggles.
Strength
Collaborate
Face your baggage
In this stage, the student will face their baggage. This can be by self declaration or with the support of a responsible person to help them face up to their baggage.
It is not simply the case of “carry on as usual” but to recognise there is a problem. This requires STRENGTH
It is then that the student can talk to someone to get help. This is through COLLABORATION
Respect
Evaluate
Share your baggage
In this stage, contact has been made and the student is willing to address their issue. The ensuing conversation and contact are dealt with RESPECT and confidentiality to ensure the student feels safe and open to discuss their issues.
This leads on to a thorough investigation into the root cause of concerns and unpacking the baggage to thoroughly explore and EVALUATE all the symptoms and causes.
Achieve
Motivate
Drop your baggage
The evaluation will identify a range of options for the student to consider and select. The resulting action plan will be agreed and owned by the student so that it is manageable and that the student is able to ACHIEVE.
The final stage is for the supporter to make the student feel that the baggage is either not so great or provide a route to drop the baggage. On leaving the discussion, the supporter should MOTIVATE the student to take action and leave the meeting in a positive and empowered state.
To implement the S.C.R.E.A.M! methodology you need to keep in mind the 6 words that it stands for: Strength, Collaboration, Respect, Self-Evaluate, Achieve, Motivate. In chapter 1 we defined and identified potential reasons for why students carry negative baggage with them to education. It emphasized the need for educators to recognize and shift their approach from focusing on weaknesses to strengths. By fostering a collaborative and coaching attitude that uplifts students and builds on their positive qualities, educators can help students recognize their true potential.
Chapter 2 explored the importance of changing existing exclusive attitudes towards inclusiveness and empowerment. Inclusiveness is always built around respect. It addressed how inclusiveness and respect enables empowerment and emphasized the need for a nurturing and supportive learning environment. By promoting empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity, educators can dismantle barriers and create an inclusive space for all students to thrive.
Chapter 3 highlighted the significance of the “we” approach in empowering students. To be able to foster a “we”-approach, you need to reflect and evaluate who you are. Self-evaluation is the key for being able to set up a “we”-approach that is inclusive. By fostering collaboration, cultivating a growth mindset, and embracing innovative teaching methods, educators can create a positive learning environment. Peer support networks, personal growth plans, and a focus on strengths enable students to shed their negative baggage and embrace and achieve their potential.
Chapter 4 delved into the role of coaching in supporting students. Through trust, goal setting, feedback, self-reflection, and resilience-building, educators become coaches and mentors who empower students on their transformative journey. The coaches are there to support students in achieving their maximum potential and to not give up when things get hard. By helping students set up coping strategies, educators and educators equip students with the motivation, skills and confidence needed to overcome their negative baggage.